Are the Gears Grinding in Your Automatic Transmission?
We all know the horrible sound of grinding gears. At least anyone who has driven a manual transmission vehicle can attest it’s not a pleasant noise. It can happen somewhat commonly with a manual transmission vehicle. A lazy shift can grind the gears, but it’s not too big a deal unless you do it repeatedly.
However, grinding gears in an automatic transmission vehicle is a more serious concern. Automatic transmissions are designed to shift relatively smoothly between gears as you accelerate and decelerate your car, truck or SUV. If the gears are grinding during shifting, then it may be a sign of transmission trouble. It might be a minor issue or something more significant. Either way, it’s best to consult with a transmission specialist. An expert technician can diagnose the problem—if there is one—and recommend the proper repair or maintenance services.
Here are some of the causes of grinding gears in your automatic transmission:
Low or Bad Transmission Fluid
A low transmission fluid level can cause all sorts of problems within your transmission system because moving parts won’t get the lubricating and cooling properties they require. One of the first things you should do if you have grinding gears is check the transmission fluid level, as well as the quality. Old, dirty, burnt or contaminated fluid can also lead to rough shifting.
Failing Torque Converter
One of the components that makes an automatic transmission automatic is the torque converter. It controls all the shifting automatically as you speed up or slow down. Unfortunately, it is a sensitive part and can be prone to problems or failures. If your torque converter is failing, you may hear grinding gears and experience any number of other signs of transmission problems.
Gear or Clutch Damage
You may have actual damage to one or more of your gears, or the clutches and other mechanical components that actuate the shifting. This is a more serious problem than low transmission fluid, and sometimes they go hand-in-hand. In other words, driving with low or bad fluid can lead to damaged gears or other internal transmission damage that will be costly to repair, rebuild or replace.
These are some of the causes of grinding gears within an automatic transmission. If you are experiencing any shifting issues or other signs of transmission failure, get your vehicle inspected by a transmission specialist as soon as possible. If you are in the Escalon area, call Escalon Transmission at (209) 838-0113 or request your appointment online.
